AHMADIYYA Meaning and
Definition
-
Ahmadiyya is a religious movement within Islam that originated in the late 19th century in British India, under the leadership of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908). The term "Ahmadiyya" refers to the followers of this movement, who identify themselves as Muslims and adhere to the basic tenets of Islam but also believe in the advent of a Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, as the Promised Messiah and Mahdi.
The Ahmadiyya community places a strong emphasis on peace, love, and service to humanity, and their teachings embrace the concept of religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. They reject religious violence and extremist ideologies, promoting instead a peaceful and inclusive understanding of Islam. Ahmadiyya Muslims regard Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as a non-law-bearing prophet, a spiritual reformer, and the embodiment of the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Due to their theological beliefs, followers of the Ahmadiyya movement have faced persecution and discrimination in some parts of the Muslim world, where mainstream Islamic scholars consider them to be outside the fold of Islam. However, Ahmadiyya Muslims consider themselves to be a sect within Islam, aiming to revive the true teachings of Islam and provide a path towards spiritual enlightenment.
In summary, Ahmadiyya refers to a religious movement within Islam that emerged in the 19th century, led by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. It encompasses the followers of this movement, who adhere to Islam but also believe in the advent of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, promoting peace, love, and service to humanity.
Etymology of AHMADIYYA
The word "Ahmadiyya" is derived from the name of its founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who lived in British India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad claimed to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (Guided One) awaited by various religious traditions. He established the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in 1889, and his followers came to be known as Ahmadi Muslims. Hence, the term "Ahmadiyya" refers to the followers and teachings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.
